Sofia Monument

"The Statue of St. Sofia, towering 20 meters above the city, stands as a powerful symbol of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. This statue honors St. Sofia, the city’s patron, and encapsulates the essence of wisdom, which is reflected in her very name—"Sofia" being the Greek word for wisdom. This is why the statue holds an owl in her left hand, an ancient symbol of wisdom. In her right hand, she holds a laurel wreath, a symbol that carries multiple meanings in Greek and Roman traditions, representing peace, success, and reputation. The significance of St. Sofia goes beyond her association with wisdom. The city's holiday is celebrated on September 17th, a date that commemorates Saint Sophia the Martyr, who is revered in the Eastern Orthodox Church on this day. Born in Italy, St. Sophia is remembered not just for her own martyrdom, but also for the tragic and poignant story of her three daughters—Faith, Hope, and Love—who were named after virtues extolled by Saint Paul. During the reign of Emperor Hadrian (117–138 AD), St. Sophia’s daughters were martyred for their Christian faith. The daughters, aged 12, 10, and 9, were tortured and killed one by one in an effort to force their mother to renounce her beliefs. Despite this horrific ordeal, St. Sophia remained steadfast in her faith. After their deaths, she buried her daughters and spent the last three days of her life at their graveside, eventually dying of grief. The statue of St. Sofia, with its blend of classical symbols and deep historical roots, not only serves as a tribute to the city’s patron but also as a reminder of the enduring values of wisdom, faith, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of suffering. It stands as a constant guardian over Sofia, embodying the virtues that the city cherishes and the profound history that shapes its identity."

"Standing opposite the National Assembly, you will see one of the newest landmarks of Sofia. St Sofia Monument stands where in the past a statue of Lenin used to be. It was removed after the democratic changes in 1989 and for a long time this place was empty. The statue is a bit controversial, as many thought it was too provocative. The woman has a crown which is a symbol of power, the wreath is a symbol of fame and an owl in her other hand symbolizes wisdom. The crown is also a reference to the Goddess of Fate, Tyche, inspired by the old emblem of Sofia during the 20th century."

"A stone's throw from the Church of Santa Domenica is the statue of Santa Sofia, which portrays a young woman with a laurel wreath in her right hand and an owl perched on the left, a symbol of wisdom. The statue was erected after the fall of Communism, replacing the statue of Lenin. 👣How to get there: reachable on foot from St,Nedelya Church (240m- 3min). Metro stop: Serdika, lines M1 and M4. 🎟️Ticket cost: free"